District 9WR Spring D-TRAIN Advanced Vessel Examiner Training

1. District 9WRSpring D-TRAINAdvanced Vessel Examiner Training Spring 2014

2. Workshop Objectives The purpose of this workshop is to assist currently qualified Vessel Examiners in: • Developing proficiency to educate owners of non-standard recreational craft, which fall in to a small group of 1-5% of the vessels not covered by the Vessel Safety Check Manual • Deepening their understanding of the Federal Regulations pertaining to Vessel Safety Checks • Building their skills as a mentor to other Vessel Examiners • Developing skills needed educate owners of special craft (Motor Vessels > 65’, Government-owned Vessels, etc.) • Finding useful resources not available in the Vessel Safety Check Manual. 2

3. Today’s Agenda 1500 – 9WR Vessel Examiner Resources 1515 – Sticky Situations and Navigating Grey Areas… 1545 – The How and Why of VSC Decal Requirements 1630 – Special Craft

4. 9WR VE Resources The 9WR web site has a number of great resources for Vessel Examiners in the District: http://www.cgaux9wr.com/programs/ve/index.php Download the 9WR VSC Legal Requirements Matrix - 9WR VE Workshop Materials - How to become a Vessel Examiner - How to maintain VE currency

5. 9WR VE Resources Use the “Contact Us” link on the 9WR Vessel Examination page to get direct assistance: http://www.cgaux9wr.com/programs/ve/index.php • Use “Contact Us” to: • Answer process and technical questions regarding performing Vessel Safety Checks • Ask questions or report discrepancies regarding VE materials published on the web site • Report local VE issues

6. Who sets the requirements? VSC Requirements come from: • The Code of Federal Regulations (CFR’s) • United States Code http://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/browse/collectionUScode.action?collectionCode=USCODE • eCFRhttp://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?c=ecfr&tpl=%2Findex.tpl • The USCG International/Inland Navigation Rules • http://www.navcen.uscg.gov/?pageName=navRuleChanges • State Statutes and Regulations • Illinois Compiled Statutes • Indiana Code – Water Recreation andIndiana Code Watercraft Registration • Michigan Compiled LawsandMichigan DNR Admin Rules • Wisconsin Legislative Documents • The 9WR VE team has put together a comprehensive cross-reference to navigate the above resources…

7. Using the 9WR VSC Legal Requirement Matrix The first tab of the matrix contains version information, the intent of the document, and an interactive key to the spreadsheet cells. Updates and errors should be sent to Gary Markle, DSO-VE for 9WR

8. Using the 9WR VSC Legal Requirement Matrix Exception, Exemption, & Additional Detailed Regulations and Hyperlinks Exceptions, Exemptions, & Additional Details VSC Requirement VSC Educational Item (shaded) Performance Standard State Regulation(s) and Hyperlink Federal Regulation (s) and Hyperlink

9. UPDATED 2014 United Safe Boating Institute (USBI) Data Collection Program • All Vessel Examiners are now encouraged to enter data on their failed Vessel Safety Checks on the USBI Data Collection Site: http://www.usbi.org/vsc.php • This program was piloted in several states last year and continues to gather data on failed VSCs across all states, the Auxiliary, USPS, and several State organizations • The information gathered will be used to determine future focus areas for the VE, PV, PA, PE, and grant programs • The United Safe Boating Institute greatly appreciates the additional data points 9

10. Today’s Agenda 1500 – 9WR Vessel Examiner Resources 1515 – Sticky Situations and Navigating Grey Areas… 1545 – The How and Why of VSC Decal Requirements 1630 – Special Craft

11. Sticky Situations - 1 What would you do when a boater says… • “But the last Examiner that checked my boat said it was OK, and I got a Decal.” • “The last Examiner that checked my boat told me to put my navigation light on the boat that way.” • “Here’s the Golden Ticket from my US Coast Guard Boarding. They said everything was OK.” • “I just paid my dealer a ton of money for this boat. They must have taken care of all the registration and documentation.” • “The USCG boarding officer told me that your Vessel Safety Check doesn’t mean anything.” • “You’re not leaving…”

12. Sticky Situations - 2 What would you do when observe or hear: • Boaters drinking heavily at the marina. • Obstructed equipment in an engine compartment. • Auxiliarists requesting that you stay away from their local marina.

13. Navigating Grey Areas Examples: The Vessel Numbers just barely contrast with the hull? The Vessel Numbers are starting to fade. This registration/documentation expires this month. These flares expire in October. This backfire flame arrestor is oily after 1 month of use. The boater had to “tap” their nav lights for them to illuminate. This child can just barely get in to their PFD. What to do? - Don’t be afraid to fail the VSC (if appropriate) and re-check the boat. - Make notations and document advisements on the 7012 form!

14. Tools of the Trade A few additional items in the VE’s “kit” can help expedite and provide more thorough checks: • Clipboard with storage • Flashlight • Inspection mirror + = 14

15. Today’s Agenda 1500 – 9WR Vessel Examiner Resources 1515 – Sticky Situations and Navigating Grey Areas… 1545 – The How and Why of VSC Decal Requirements 1630 – Special Craft

16. Boaters reluctant to accept messages being delivered during safety education and VSC’s will often respond to: Explanations of why regulations are related to safety Explanations of how safety equipment can save their life Written information Follow-up information and citations of the actual regulations The power of “Why” and “Show Me” 16

17. The VSC Decal The VSC decal changes color every year. These colors are very specific and are chosen to match the color of state registration decals expiring the same year as the VSC Decal. * Not all states and territories adhere to this standard

18. Recognition VE’s and PV’s who complete 60 exams or visits are awarded the VE/MDV Service Ribbon • Note: “V” Device is no longer authorized for wear on this award AUTHORIZED NOT AUTHORIZED

19. Boats without HINs: HIN numbers are issued by the State and will be on the registration. The owner is responsible for making the marking New Federal Regulations are coming to give better direction to the states on this. Item 1 Numbering Letters are incorrect: • The Federal Regulations will allow a boat’s lettering to be easily read from 170 feet (1/4 mile with binoculars) • Lettering allows a boat to be identified in a group of other boats on the water 19

20. Item 1 Numbering Visibility of fonts from a distance: • Can you read this lettering?

21. Item 1 Numbering Visibility of fonts from a distance: • Can you read this lettering?

22. Item 1 Numbering Visibility of fonts from a distance: • Can you read this lettering?

23. Item 1 Numbering Visibility of fonts from a distance: • Can you read this lettering?

24. Item 1 Numbering Visibility of fonts from a distance: • Can you read this lettering?

25. Item 1 Numbering Visibility of color from a distance: • Can you read this lettering?

26. Item 1 Numbering Visibility of color from a distance: • Can you read this lettering?

27. Item 1 Numbering Visibility of color from a distance: • Can you read this lettering?

28. Item 1 Numbering Visibility of color from a distance: • Can you read this lettering?

29. Item 1 Numbering Visibility of color from a distance: • Can you read this lettering?

30. Item 2 Licensing and Documentation - 33 CFR 173.21 requires that the Registration/Documentation be on board. - Copies can be kept at home - 46 CFR 67 requires that the Documented name is placed on the Port/Starboard Bow and Stern. (Recreational boats have a Stern-only exemption.) - For boaters wishing to avoid displaying state numbers; DO NOT give boaters explicit instructions on how to properly mark their documented boat. http://www.uscg.mil/hq/cg5/nvdc/nvdcfaq.asp 30

31. Item 2 Licensing and Documentation Between 08 JUL 2013 and 22 JAN 2014, the USCG Documentation Center issued “Temporary Certificate of Documentation” letters to some boaters in leiu of official blue Certificate. These letters may be accepted in place of an actual Certificate and are valid one year from issue • The Temporary Certificate of Documentation must still be kept on board the vessel, just as an actual blue Certificate 31

32. Beware of Documented Vessel Mythology Myth: Documented Vessels do not require registration or validation/tax decals. Fact: Some states do not have these requirements for Documented Vessels; however IL, IN, MI, and WI do. All vessels in these states, including documented vessels, are required to be registered and display decals. IL: Documented vessel decals are placed on either side of the documented name on the transom. IN: Documented vessel decals are placed on the forward half of the boat, above the water line. MI: Documented vessel decals are placed on the forward half of the boat, as high above the water line as possible. WI: Documented vessel decals are placed on either side of the documented name on the transom. 32

33. 7012a Form Section I UPDATED 2014 While not required for a Paddlecraft VSC, you can still educate boaters on proper registration and numbering for their vessel. • IL: - Registration is no longer required for non-motorized paddle boats, paddle boards, canoes, and kayaks. Instead, a new Water Usage Stamp (WUS) is required to be purchased for each vessel in use on IL waters (including out of state vessels) and displayed on the hull. • The WUS is procured through retailers, similar to fishing licenses • Last year’s grace period for purchasing a WUS is past and IL authorities may ticket boaters in 2014 • The IL DNR has issued an administrative rule exempting innertubes from the WUS requirement 33 33

34. 7012a Form Section I While not required for a Paddlecraft VSC, you can still educate boaters on proper registration and numbering for their vessel. IN: No requirements. MI: Registration required for all vessels 16 or more feet in length and for all rental vessels 12 or more feet in length. (*Canoes, kayaks, rafts, and sailboards are exempt.) Numbers and tax stickers must be displayed on all registered vessels. WI: No requirements. 34 34

35. Look out for Kapok and take a close look at PFD fitness where its involved. Watch our for belt-style Type V’s. - Should be worn on the front. Require the wearer to actively don. No passive protection. Item 3 Flotation Devices (Life Jackets): 35

36. Item 3 Flotation Devices (Inflatables): • Inflatable Type V life jackets only count toward the total number on board when being worn continuously. (Some inflatables are NOT Type V!) • USCG approved inflatable devices: • Have specific details on their usage and restrictions detailed on the label. • Authorized for use by persons 16 years of age or older meeting the chest size and weight restrictions on the label • Require regular maintenance (including manual inflation tests, as per manufacturer instructions) • Must have a full cylinder and all status indicators green 36

37. Exemption from preemption 33 CFR 175.5 The States are exempted from preemption by Federal regulations when establishing, continuing in effect, or enforcing State laws and regulations on the wearing or the carriage of personal flotation devices directly related to the following subject areas within the jurisdictional boundaries of the State: (a) Children on board any vessel; (b) Operating a canoe or kayak; (c) Operating a sailboard; and (d) Operating a personal watercraft. Item 3 Flotation Devices (Life Jackets): Examiners should be aware, but should not actively publicize. 37

38. The USCG Approved SOS light is now extremely hard to find! (No models are currently certified.) 3 flares is not enough! Shells should be shot 2 at a time Boaters will need more than 3 in an emergency Recreational boats less than 16 feet on coastal waters or the Great Lakes, paddle craft, and totally open sailboats under 26 feet need only carry night visual distress signals when operating from sunset to sunrise. Item 4 - Visual Distress Signals (VDS): 38

39. Item 4 - Visual Distress Signals (VDS): Some areas of the 9WR AOR include waters on the Great Lakes surrounded by break walls or other man-made structures. If the openings of these areas are less than 2 nautical miles, than VDS are not required inside them.* • If a boater plans to operate outside these boundaries in coastal waters, VDS are required for a VSC decal. • If a boater NEVER plans to operate outside these boundaries, then VDS are not required for a VSC decal. (They should still be educated that carrying VDS is a good/safe choice.) * Vessel Examiners should confirm VDS determinations made by their local USCG Station, and seek to mirror those requirements for the awarding of VSC decals in the same area. Calumet Harbor, Chicago 1.6 nm Harbor Mouth 39

40. Beware of Flare Mythology and History History: It’s illegal to own a flare gun in some states. Fact: Some states used to consider flare guns the same as any handgun, but no longer. IL, IN, MI, and WI allow for ownership of flare guns as long as they are USCG approved devices and only used for signaling distress. Myth: You should never carry extra flares because they are a fire hazard. Fact: A military-sized cache of flares can be a fire hazard, but in an emergency, most boaters will need many more than 3. The number of flares carried should be a function of boat size and boat usage. 40

41. Beware of Flare Mythology and History Myth: Flares expire and are no longer usable. Fact: The expiration date on flares is mandated by law (46 CFR 160.021.5.b) and not by the construction, chemicals, manufacturer, or type of the flare. Kept neat and dry, flares will last decades with little degradation in performance. Myth: You can’t “get rid” of flares. Fact: It is illegal to use a flare except in case of distress. Excess or damaged flares can be disposed at a boater’s local hazardous waste disposal facility. (Varies by locality.) 41

42. Item 5 - Fire Extinguishers: Boaters in the state of Illinois must have at least 1 fire extinguisher on EVERY motorboat. * The same rule broadly applies for sole state waters. 42

43. Item 5 - Fire Extinguishers: Indiana does not have a fire extinguisher requirement for sole state waters. (Vessel Examiners should still highly recommend them!) Michigan and Wisconsin mirror federal requirements for state waters. 43

44. Fixed Systems: Boaters should be educated regarding the function of their fixed system helm indicators and on the hazards of discharging fixed systems. While not required, boaters should be encouraged to have their fixed systems (even if serviceable) inspected at least every 12 years. Item 5 - Fire Extinguishers: 44

45. Fixed Systems - Halon: Vessel Examiners may recommend that systems using Halon gas be inspected every 12 years in accordance with 46 CFR 147.65 However testing is not required for Recreational Vessels because they are Uninspected (46 CFR 147.1) As long as the system is serviceable, a VSC Decal may be awarded Item 5 - Fire Extinguishers: 45

46. Beware of Fire Extinguisher Mythology Myth: Caked or packed fire extinguishers should be discarded. Fact: It is highly unlikely that a properly charged fire could ever become caked. All modern fire extinguishers are engineered to perform, even when the agents inside are packed due to vibration. A new directive has been issued to Vessel Examiners that fire extinguishers should not be tapped or inverted as the practice provides no value. (Contrary to what is published in the current VE Manual.) Handling fire extinguishers in this way opens the door to dropping the device or damaging the boater’s property. 46

47. Beware of Fire Extinguisher Mythology Myth: Fire extinguishers expire. Fact: Fire extinguishers typically do not have an expiration date on them. However, manufacturers will recommend that boaters discard fire extinguishers after they exceed their warranty period. The gauge on the fire extinguisher is a highly accurate indicator of the device’s status if it is in otherwise serviceable condition. 47

48. Item 6 - Ventilation: In addition to listening for ventilation motors and feeling for ventilation flows at exhaust ports, examiners should also look for indications of improper system repair: (these systems are often challenging to access) • Loose vent hoses • Confirm hoses terminate at vents • Look for hoses that extend to the very bottom of the bilge • Ventilation fans not secured to the boat 48

49. Operators of small craft and paddle craft are often not educated on the whistle’s purpose - A key learning is how to signal distress ● ● ● ● ● Item 8 - Sound Producing Devices/Bell: Even though not required for sole state waters in Michigan and Wisconsin, sound producing devices are still required for safe navigation and to comply with state navigational conventions. (Illinois and Indiana explicitly require sound producing devices.) 49

50. Look for stamped markings on modified lights: ≥ 12 meters (39.4 feet) to 20 meters (65 feet) in length: Masthead - 3 miles All other lights - 2 miles < 12 meters (39.4 feet) in length: Masthead - 2 miles Sidelights - 1 mile All other lights - 2 miles Item 9 - Navigation Lights: 50